Millwall's Child Protection Policy

CHILD PROTECTION POLICY

WRITTEN BY

ALAN BROWN 
ECRU WELFARE MANAGER

APPROVED BY

STEVE FARR 
RFU ETHICS & EQUITY MANAGER

(AMENDED BY GARETH BATLEY 
SENIOR SOCIAL WORK PRACTITIONER)

CHILD PROTECTION POLICY

OF

MILLWALL RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB

INTRODUCTION

The child protection policy of Millwall RFC is in force because it is accepted that it is the responsibility of every adult to ensure children enjoy rugby union in a safe environment

Therefore the club has a responsibility: -

· To safeguard and promote the interests and well being of children who play rugby.

· To take all reasonable practical steps to protect children from harm, discrimination or degrading treatment

· To respect children’s rights, wishes and feelings.

· To ensure that all adults are aware of their responsibilities when working with children

The chid protection procedures will: -

· Offer safeguards to the children with whom we work, and to our club members (staff, coaches and volunteers).

· Help to maintain the professionalism and safeguard the good practice which are associated with Millwall RFC and the RFU.

In order for the child protection policy to be effective it is necessary for codes of practice to be in force for the following persons.

· The welfare officer. (See appendix A)

· The coaches. (See appendix B)

· Helpers/carers. (See appendix C)

· The players. (See appendix D)

· Parents and supporters. (See appendix E)

PRINCIPLE STATEMENT

· The young players welfare is paramount.

· All young players whatever their age, culture, disability, gender, language, racial origin, religious belief and sexual identity have the right to protection from abuse.

· All suspicions and allegations of abuse must be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately.

· Anyone under the age of 18 years should be considered as a young player (child) for the purposes of this document.

· The club shall appoint a Welfare Officer who shall be responsible for the implementation, monitoring and the enforcement of the clubs child protection policy.

· The club shall appoint (if required) a nominated officer to assist the welfare officer.

ABUSE TAKING PLACE WITHIN THE RUGBY ENVIRONMENT

The club will not tolerate any form of abuse, towards Young
Members of the club.

The main forms of abuse are: -

· Emotional abuse.

· Neglect.

· Physical abuse.

· Sexual abuse.

(There are many forms of abuse, it would not be possible to provide a definitive list, but broadly speaking all forms of abuse fall into one of the above categories).

PROCEDURE FOR REPORTING INCIDENTS

Where any person has concerns about the behaviour of a member of staff, coach or volunteer or any other person the following action will be taken: -

· The incident will be reported to the Welfare Officer or his nominated Officer as soon as possible.

· The Welfare Officer or his nominated officer must ensure the safety of the child or children without delay.

· If the incident relates to poor practice, the welfare officer will deal with it as an internal club issue.

· If the concerns remain, then the matter will be referred to professional staff (such as ECRU Welfare Officer) or RFU staff for a decision on how to handle the issue.

· If it appears that the concerns relate to an unlawful act the concern will be reported to the Welfare Officer or his nominated officer (who will ensure the ECRU welfare officer is informed as soon as possible)

· If the concern relates to the person in charge ensure the safety of the child and then report to Professional staff (such as ECRU Welfare Officer).

· In the case of suspected unlawful acts having complied as above, refer the matter to the Social Services Children and Families Duty Team or the Police Child Protection Unit.

· Assist Police or Social Services as required.

· Report the incident to ECRU Welfare Officer.

· Report to the RFU ethics and equity manager.

· The RFU will decide whether to suspend temporarily pending enquiries.

· The RFU will decide who and how to handle any media enquiries

· The RFU will arrange disciplinary/misconduct proceedings.

In all cases a written record will be kept of the allegation, the investigation and the outcome. This record must be kept confident.

NOTE

Some incidents may be of such a serious nature that there is no alternative but to inform the Police or Social Services immediately, having done this please revert to the laid down procedure.

ABUSE TAKING PLACE OUTSIDE THE RUGBY ENVIROMENT

It may come to your notice that abuse of a young person is suspected of taking place outside the rugby environment. If this is the case it will be dealt with as follows: -

· Your concerns should be reported to the Welfare Officer or his nominated officer.

· If they are not contactable then the matter should be reported to the Police or Social Services without delay.

· The matter should then be referred to the Welfare Officer who will report the matter to the professional staff (such as the ECRU Welfare Officer)

NOTE

In such cases it is NOT your decision as to whether abuse has taken place or not. That decision will be left to the Police and Social Services.

Where there are concerns that unlawful abuse has taken place either within or outside the rugby environment please follow the course of action below.

DO

· Ensure that the child is removed from any immediate danger. If the danger is not immediate please contact the Welfare Officer or his deputy.

· Inform the relevant persons.

· Listen to what the child has to say to you.

· Please do not promise the child/ young person that you will not tell anyone what he or she has told you. Please be clear that you have a responsibility to pass the details on. You may tell the child/young person what you expect to happen next.

· Reassure the child that they are not to blame and confirm that you know how difficult it must be to confide

· Ensure that you have clearly understood what the child has said.

· Try to record what the child has said, or what has been seen. Include dates and times. Also record the time and date that the notes were made. (Please remember that you are not a professional in this and your recall of events may be incorrect but try and be as accurate as possible).

· Do not allow any other member of the club to talk to the child/young person about what they have disclosed. The young person will find the process difficult and too many adults may lead to discrepancies in evidence.

· Follow guidelines relating to confidentiality.

DO NOT

· Question the child.

· Ignore what has been said.

· Panic.

· Challenge parent or guardian.

· Make promises you cannot keep i.e. confidentiality.

· Make the child repeat the story unnecessarily.

· Delay the reporting process.

Please remember it is not your job to investigate any allegation. That job will be undertaken by the Police and Social Services either together or singly. Your role would be to listen and accept. Do not worry if the details you write up or remember are unclear.

If a child says to you, that you must not tell anyone, please remember that you have a responsibility to inform the relevant people if you suspect abuse or significant harm. Please inform the child of that. If that child then stops telling you details, please inform the relevant people of the situation. It is better that the child knows that you will pass details on than for you to break a promise made and tell anyway. Remember that child is confiding in you solely because of your role with that child, as a member of Millwall Rugby Club

Appendix A

THE WELFARE OFFICER

AND NOMINATED OFFICER

CODES OF PRACTICE

NB The welfare officer and nominated officer will follow the same codes of practice.

· The welfare/nominated officer will be subjected to a Criminal Records Bureau check.

· If the welfare/nominated officer is a coach then they will also comply with the coaches code of practice.

· The welfare/nominated officer will ensure that the child protection policy is in force and is complied with, within the club.

· The Welfare/nominated officer will ensure that any officer or member of the club who has access to children as a result of their office or membership of Millwall RFC will undergo a CRB check.

· The welfare officer will ensure, that all coaches comply with criteria for becoming a club coach and undergo all necessary training.

· The welfare officer will keep a record of all details relating to coaches.

· Upon receipt of any form of complaint the welfare/nominated officer will immediately comply with the criteria in this policy in respect of investigating and reporting the incident.

· The welfare officer will keep a record of all complaints received, together with details of the investigation including the outcome of the investigation.

Appendix b
THE COACHES

CODE OF PRACTICE

Any coach working with young players within a Rugby Union Football Club is part of a structure with many stakeholders, and as such the coach has responsibilities to all of them.

This code has been written to remind or inform coaches of those responsibilities and the minimum standards of behaviour commensurate with fulfilling them.

Each season every coach active in the section will be called on to warrant that they have read understood and intend to abide by this code.

· Be aware that the codes of practice exist read and understand them.

· Be aware that the clubs child protection policy exists, read and understand it.

· Agree to undertake CRB checks as requested by the club

PLAYERS

· Rugby is only part of their lives, recognise this and allow for it on your demands on them.

· Treat games against other clubs as lessons, opportunities to learn, not as a test.

· Rugby is for everyone. Do not rely on your star player and never make a player feel like a spare part. Share your time and game time equally.

· Never ridicule or belittle any player. Make every player feel valued. To do this would be considered as emotional abuse.

· Take an interest in each player. Know a little about his/her family and other interests. Be able to spot changes in their behaviour.

· Find out the facts about child development and the physical, intellectual and emotional capabilities of the age group that you work with.

RUGBY UNION

· Rugby is a potentially dangerous game, which relies upon every player having mutual respect. Teach the players you work with the meaning of fair play and set them a good example.

· Rugby works best when sides are evenly matched. Try to avoid mismatch, especially during training sessions.

· Understand the continuum and abide by it. You have no options, as they are the laws of the game.

· Learn the laws and how to referee.

· Teach players by your own example to respect the referee.

COACHING

· When you call yourself a coach you apply to join an elite, when others call you a coach you have achieved membership. Behave as you would expect a coach should.

· Always look like a coach always act like a coach.

· Try to start and finish on time.

· Plan your sessions.

· Plan your season.

· Do not drink alcohol before or during your coaching.

· Never give alcohol to those not old enough to drink it by law.

· Do not smoke when coaching.

· Never ignore bad coaching practise or behaviour. Report it as per the procedure in the child protection policy.

· Keep up to date with current coaching practises and law.

· Be aware that you are responsible for the players you work with, so don’t allow players to play on an injury. Refer them to a doctor or sports injury clinic. Ensure you enter ALL injuries into the accident book and get a parent/guardian to sign the entry. It is for your protection.

· Ensure the safety of the children you are coaching by making sure that they have the correct safety equipment and adequate clothing for the conditions. To fail to do this could be considered as Neglect of physical abuse.

· Ensure safety by teaching the correct techniques; ensure the playing area is safe and free from glass, wood and other such nuisances. Ensure the equipment used is in order. If it is not report it, don’t just put it back for the next person to find.

· DO NOT PUT YOURSELF IN A POSITION WHERE YOU COULD BE SUSPECTED OF VERBAL, PHYSICAL OR SEXUAL ABUSE WITH ANY CHILD.

Appendix C

THE PLAYER

CODES OF PRACTICE

· Rugby is a team game, be a member of the whole team.

· Do not bully any of your teammates.

· If you see any bullying by your teammates or any other person report it to your coach, he knows how to deal with it.

· Learn to play the game safely.

· Learn the laws of the game and always play within the laws.

· Respect the coaches, the referees, your opponents, your teammates, and any spectators.

Appendix D

CARERS/HELPERS

CODES OF PRACTICE

· All carers/helpers should be aware of the child protection policy they should read it and understand it.

· All carers/helpers should not accept bad practice or unlawful acts by any person don’t ignore it report it.

Appendix E

PARENTS/SUPPORTERS

CODES OF PRACTICE.

Your child has entered the game of rugby and as such the club is sure that you will want to support them. Indeed the club will encourage you to become involved in the game.

However it must never be forgotten that the game of rugby is for the enjoyment of the players.

To that end the club has a code of practice for parents and supporters.

· Respect all players, coaches and officials.

· Do not swear at any person present, during training or games.

· Do not give negative criticism, encourage, the game will improve with encouragement. It will not with criticism.

· As a parent you should be aware that the club has a child protection policy, it is available for you to read. Should you become aware of any bad practice towards players, don’t ignore it. Report it.

· Do not allow your child to play on an injury.

· Assist your child to learn the laws of the game and encourage them to play within the laws of the game.

· Ensure that your child has adequate clothing and equipment to play the game safely.

NOTES OF GUIDANCE FOR THE CLUB 
IN RESPECT OF ALL STAFF
PROFESSIONAL OR VOLUNTEER.

ALL STAFF

All staff that have or may have contact with young persons within the club will complete an application form that will allow the club to: -

· Find out about their past career.

· Find out if they have a criminal record. (They will be subjected to a criminal records bureau check).

· They will provide two references, which will be taken up by the club.

· All information given to the club by individuals about themselves is kept confidential.

· All completed application forms and reference forms are to be stored carefully for future reference.

· All staff that have or may have contact with young persons will undertake child protection/child abuse training.

· Every applicant should be made aware of the clubs attitude to child protection and they should be provided with a written copy of the clubs policy.

COACHES

· All coaches will go on an introductory course such as an RFU foundation or tag rugby course before they begin coaching although they may only assist prior to this course.

· All coaches and other helpers will comply with the coach’s code of practice.

· All coaches will be qualified to minimum National Governing Body level 1 standard before they are allowed to be the lead coach of an age group.

· The club will encourage and help all coaches stay up to date with rugby coaching and child protection issues.

· All coaches will be given a copy of the club’s code of conduct for coaches and they will be expected to operate within the codes of conduct at all times.

· A person will be identified to the coaches whose role it is to deal with any concerns about any form of abuse identified. (The club welfare officer or nominated officer).

· All coaches who deal with children will undertake a basic child protection course.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE CLUB WITH REGARD TO THE CLUBS CHILD PROTECTION POLICY.

· All members of the club will be made aware of the existence of the clubs child protection policy/and the codes of practice.

· A copy of the child protection policy and codes of practice will be made available to any person who so requests to see it.

· The club will ensure that all necessary persons will have a copy of the code of practice that relates to them.

· The National Governing Body has a duty to support the clubs child protection policy. As such they publish leaflets of guidance in respect of child welfare. These must be made available on request to all members of the club and any other person.

USEFUL INFORMATION

Club Welfare Officer Contact Number

_________________ __________________

Nominated Officer Contact Number

_________________ __________________

ECRU Welfare Officer Contact Number

_________________ __________________

Police Contact Number

_________________ __________________

Social Services Contact Number

_________________ __________________

MEDICAL CONSENT FORM

I _______________________________,being the parent or guardian of,

________________________________,

Give authority to__________________________to make any decisions required in respect of minor medical treatment that my child might require whilst attending training or matches with _____________________RFC

In the unlikely event of an emergency and that I/we am/ are not contactable, please contact:
Name

Phone number

Relationship to you

My child is allergic to_________________________________________
(Please state none if that is the case)(Include any dietary needs).

I attach a copy of a__________________________________________

Which Bears my signature. (Driving licence or passport etc)

Signed__________________ Witnessed________________

Dated__________________ Dated __________________

To be witnessed by a person other than a family member.

PARENT/GAURDIAN AND YOUNG PERSON PERMISSIO FORM
FOR THE USE OF PHOTOGRAPHIC AND RECORDED IMAGES

I _____________________________________ consent to the

photographing/videoing and publication of images of

______________________________________ under the RFU’s Child Protection

and Best Practice guidelines and I confirm that I am legally entitled to give this consent.

I also confirm that ____________________________________ is not under a court order.

Signed _______________________(parent/guardian) Dated _________________

I ______________________________________ consent to the

photographing/videoing and publication of images of my involvement in Rugby Union under the RFU’s Child Protection and Best Practice guidelines.

Signed____________________________(player) Dated___________________